REU Site: DE-STRESS
DEsigning Sedimentation & Tectonics Research Experiences for Student Success
A year-long geoscience research experience tailored for students with non-traditional schedules
Program Objectives:
- Provide students with real-world research and training experiences
- Familiarize students with field and laboratory techniques
- Highlight geoscience research importance for urban/suburban areas
- Broaden student perspectives on geoscience careers and educational paths
These objectives are accomplished through mentored team projects incorporating field, lab, and professional development components while achieving a common research goal of improving understanding of the long- and short-term slip history and evolution of the San Andreas Fault system.
Program Highlights
Program Overview
A unique year-long program designed for students who may be unable to participate in traditional 6-8 week summer REU programs due to work, family, or financial obligations.
Year-Long Format
Two intensive 2-week sessions (winter field work at CSUSB, summer lab work at UC) plus virtual meetings and workshops throughout the academic year.
San Andreas Fault Research
Study sediments and geomorphic surfaces that record the tectonic evolution of the San Andreas fault system near San Bernardino, California.
Cohort-Based Learning
Work as part of a research team with fellow students and faculty mentors from CSUSB and University of Cincinnati.
Conference Presentation
Present your research at the American Geophysical Union national meeting with full travel funding provided.
Geology Majors
- 8-10 slots available for the year-long experience
- Travel expenses and 5 weeks of stipend ($700/wk) are provided
Community College Students
- 8-10 slots available for 2-week-long experiences
- Students local to inland southern CA can participate in field work in January
- Students local to Cincinnati, OH metro can participate lab work in July
- Travel expenses and weekly stipend ($700/wk) are provided
Research Focus
Investigating the slip history and evolution of the southern San Andreas fault system through sedimentological, geochronological, and geomorphic analyses.
Sedimentology Track
Analyze middle Miocene to Pleistocene sedimentary basins and deposits. Study facies patterns, clast counts, and provenance to understand basin evolution and fault slip history.
Neotectonics/Geomorphology Track
Use drone-based LiDAR and photogrammetry to map Quaternary surfaces and their relationship to faults. Calculate slip rates from offset geomorphic features.
Geochronology Methods
Apply detrital zircon U-Pb dating, 40Ar/39Ar dating, and Quaternary dating methods (TCN, OSL) to constrain timing of deposition and deformation.
Key Research Questions
- How do individual faults organize in space and time?
- How do long-term slip rates compare to recent rates?
- What drives strain and landscape evolution?
Faculty Mentors
Work with experienced faculty from California State University San Bernardino and University of Cincinnati.
CSUSB Mentors
Dr. Tandis Bidgoli - PI
Structural Geology, Neotectonics, & Geo-/Thermochronology
Leads the REU program; studies patterns and drivers of deformation and landscape evolution using structural analysis, sedimentological records, and geo-/thermochronology. Mentors students in structural geology and geochronology.
Faculty Webpage
Dr. Susana Henriquez
Structural Geology, Sedimentology, & Thermochronology
Investigates deformation and mountain building through structural analysis, sedimentological records, and thermochronology. Mentors students in interpreting tectonic histories through field, lab work, and modeling.
Faculty Webpage
Dr. Claire Todd
Geomorphology & Quaternary Geochronology
Reconstructs landscape evolution, exposure histories, and erosion rates through geomorphology and use of in-situ produced isotopes. Mentors students in field-based geomorphic analysis and Quaternary dating methods.
Faculty Webpage
Dr. Kerry Cato
Engineering Geology, Remote Sensing, & Hazard Analysis
Specializes in applied geologic hazards analysis, with a focus on landslides, debris flows, slope stability and site investigations. Mentors students in using small UAV and terrestrial LiDAR data acquisition, processing, and geologic mapping.
Faculty Webpage
UC Mentors
Dr. Daniel Sturmer - Co-PI
Sedimentology & Basin Analysis
Co-leads the REU program; focuses on sedimentary processes and tectonic interactions using sedimentologic records and stable isotopes. Mentors students in field- and lab-based sedimentologic analysis.
Faculty Webpage
Dr. Dylan Ward
Geomorphology and Quaternary Geochronology
Explores landscape evolution and surface processes like erosion and river incision. Mentors students in field-based geomorphic analysis and modeling.
Faculty Webpage
Dr. Craig Dietsch
Petrology & Geochronology
Studies metamorphic and structural processes in continental crust. Mentors students in petrography, geochronology, and tectonic synthesis.
Faculty Webpage
External Evaluator
Dr. Amy Myrbo
Program Evaluation
She holds a Ph.D. in Geology and B.A. in English, and was Director of Outreach, Diversity, and Education at the NSF-funded LacCore and Continental Scientific Drilling Coordination Office at the University of Minnesota (UMN) from 2014-2019. She has collaborated with Tribal resource managers, educators, and youth on scientific projects for 14 years, and conducted numerous urban research projects with undergraduates from groups underrepresented in the geosciences while at UMN. She is a member of the American Evaluation Association since 2019.
Application Information
Join our research community focused on broadening participation in geoscience research.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled undergraduate student
- Preferably junior-level geoscience majors
- Students unable to participate in traditional programs
- Strong interest in research
Program Benefits
- Stipend for participation
- All travel expenses covered
- Hotel accommodation provided
- GSA conference travel funding
- Professional development workshops
Contact Information
Questions about the DE-STRESS REU program? We're here to help!
Principal Investigator
Dr. Tandis Bidgoli
California State University San Bernardino
Department of Geological Sciences
Email: tandis.bidgoli@csusb.edu
Co-Principal Investigator
Dr. Daniel Sturmer
University of Cincinnati
Department of Geosciences
Email: sturmedm@ucmail.uc.edu